Battleship Arizona's Marines At War: Making the Ultimate Sacrifice, December 7, 1941 - Softcover

Camp, Dick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0760327173 ISBN 13: 9780760327173

Publisher: Zenith Press, 2006

Synopsis

On December 7, 1941, about twenty minutes into the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an armor-piercing bomb struck the USS Arizona, penetrating four decks before exploding. An immense fire, fed by ammunition and fuel oil, swept through the ship, instantly killing hundreds of men. The Arizona quickly settled to the bottom of the harbor, taking most of her crew of 1,514 with her. Of the 88 Marines assigned to the battleship, only 15 survived. This account of the Arizona’s Marines on that fateful day, the first to tell their little-known story, also covers the broader history of shipboard Marines as well as the Arizona from her launch in World War I to the dawn of America’s entry into World War II. With more than 100 historic photographs, many never before published, the book is a fitting tribute to Marine detachment Arizona and to all of America's ship-borne Marines. Includes 5 appendices: a copy of the original Muster Roll from December 1, 1941; a copy of the posthumously-awarded letter of commendation to the family of 2nd Lt. C.E. Simensen; a copy of the original affidavit and casualty roster from December 7; an unknowingly heartbreaking letter from Capt. F.V. Valkenburgh to his girlfriend confirming their date to see the movies on the quarterdeck of the Arizona on the evening of December 7; and an appendix listing updated profiles of the Marines detailed in the story.

About this title

About the Author

Dick Camp is a retired Marine Corps colonel and the author of Lima-6, his memoir as a Marine infantry company commander at Khe Sanh. He has written several combat histories of the U.S. Marines, including The Devil Dogs at Belleau Wood, Battleship Arizona's Marines at War, Iwo Jima Recon, and Last Man Standing: The 1st Marine Regiment on Peleliu. He is also the author of Leatherneck Legends: Conversations with the Marine Corps' Old Breed and has published over sixty articles in various military-oriented magazines, including Vietnam, World War II, Marine Corps Gazette, and Leatherneck. Camp is currently the vice president for museum operations at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, overseeing the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.

Review

Leatherneck Magazine, December 2006

"Colonel Dick Camp, USMC (Ret) has truly graced us with a magnificent volume, “Battleship Arizona’s Marines at War.” A fitting memorial to the grand old battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) and her fighting Marines, the book, studded with many never-before-published photographs, proves a gripping read. These unique photos are supported by text that enthusiastically flows with old Corps charisma and charm...Col. Camp skillfully presents a nostalgic glimpse of the glory days of our old battleship Navy and the men-of-steel who manned those ships."

U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2007

“Battleship Arizona’s Marines at War is well-written and thoroughly researched. Retired Marine Colonel Dick Camp has done first-class work in putting together what is, indeed, a fitting tribute to the USS Arizona and her Marines.”

World War II Chronicles, Autumn 2006
"...a fitting tribute to Marine detachment Arizona and to all of America's ship-borne Marines."

Bill Duncan (The News-Review), December 7, 2006

"[Battleship Arizona's Marines at War] is a fascinating story, and one that touched my heart."

About this edition

• Publisher: Zenith Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0760327173
• ISBN 13: 9780760327173
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128